Book List

Readings and Ruminations

Yes, I actually took this photo at the MSP airport.

I love books and reading about the experiences of others. While I get many, many hours of audiobooks in while running the trails and during marathon training, my bookshelf over flows with well-read (and to-be-read) paperbacks.

I love non-fiction and western history, books to add historical context to the places I’ve lived, perspectives on food and agriculture, fitness and training from other runners, and books to improve my leadership and personal development.

While I may not always agree with some of the perspectives (*) I read on food and agriculture, I believe it important to better understand all sides of the issue to be more firm in my understanding and beliefs. That being said, I don’t endorse messages is every book listed below, but I still believe they’re important to be familiar with.

This list is always changing. Let me know what you think, if you agree or disagree, or if you have suggestions for my shelf. Email me with your book suggestions, or shoot me a Tweet.

Disclaimer: Some (but not all) links to products or services via Amazon are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you click the link and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). The links are provided as a convenience if you would like to know more about items mentioned. These small commissions make it possible to maintain this blog and advocacy efforts.

*Books marked by an asterisk are included for context surrounding food conversations, not necessarily an endorsement of beliefs by the authors.

Jim Owen was the featured speaker at the banquet during our Maryland Cattlemen’s Convention last weekend. (Our 24th, by the way.) Enjoyed his talk very much. Just want to add that the ‘cowboy ethic’ is ‘cowboy’ and not just confined to the west. I’ve known cowboys from all over the world and if they are true to the name, they all have that cowboy ethic. Mr. Owen passed out his business card and it has a list of of his ten cowboy ethics on the reverse, including the ones you mention above, and as I read down the list, it was like reading my husband’s code that he lived by.

Sounds like you’ve found some intriguing reads, I’ll keep my eyes open for them. I’m also an avid reader and (thanks to my dad who is a large animal vet) have come across some great first-hand accounts of cowboys, vets, etc.

Some of my favorites are by Ben K. Green: The Village Horse Doctor, Wild Cow Tales, Horse Tradin’, Some More Horse Tradin’, and A Thousand Miles of Mustangin’. Doc Green grew up in the early 1900’s and cowboyed over a good portion of the West, and studied veterinary medicine.

Another great series is by Ralph Moody. He also grew up in the early 1900’s, and gives a vivid account of his life as his family goes from the Eastern US to a ranch in Colorado, then to farms in Massachusetts and Maine. The series starts with Little Britches.

Nop’s Trials – not about cattle really but good book. Even better by the same author – Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men. Both focus on stock dogs, border collies to be exact. The first is a novel, second true story. Maybe a couple other suggestions – were recommended to me but will read them first to see. 🙂

May I first just say – congrats on your blog! You do so much to provide insight for those who are agriculturally illiterate. You also give those involved in ag life a chance to learn, as well; as an agricultural major there are some things I’ve learned from your posts. Keep up the great work.

I might also mention that I love that you’re a book worm. Reading is a second passion of mine as well. I recommend some of Cormac McCarthy’s work. There’s a trilogy of his I think you would enjoy. I know it’s not necessarily agrilculture-related but I also suggest The Guns of August, by Barbara W. Tuchman.

Wow! Thanks Ryan and Commenters for sharing all these book titles. I just read one that I think you might enjoy titled Real Dirt. It is written by an ex-industrial farmer in Canada who turned to organic farming to save his family farm. It is very transparent: he says he damaged his land more during his first years farming organically (because he was tilling), than when he was farming conventionally. Here is the link to his website http://realdirt.ca/
Enjoy!

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This blog does not represent communications for my employers, including National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. These are my personal views, experiences, or those of guest authors. We are all welcomed to our opinions, but please be respectful of others’.

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